Ngorongoro Crater Holidays

You’re guaranteed to see abundant wildlife on holiday in the Ngorongoro Crater. The basin is home to an incredible 25,000 animals and, thanks to the crater’s relatively small size, they’re fairly easy to track down. Most guided safaris take place at dawn and dusk, as the animals tend to be more active at this time of day, when temperatures are cooler.

On a game drive, you’ll comes across all sorts of creatures, including the ‘Big Five’ – lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rare black rhino. The fertile land has attracted lots of grazers, too, so you’re likely to see antelope, gazelle, zebra and wildebeest. Around water holes, you’ll also be able to spot hippos and warthogs. And keep your eyes peeled for predators, such as cheetahs, hyenas and jackals.  

The main draw of an Ngorongoro Crater holiday is undoubtedly the wildlife safaris – but you’ll soon discover there’s plenty more besides. The broader Ngorongoro Conservation Area serves up a variety of adventures across its rolling savannahs and lush highlands.

If you’re a keen hiker, be sure to pack your walking boots. There are a number of routes in the area, ranging from easy one-day hikes to five-day treks. For a scenic daytrip, we’d recommend hiking along the Crater Rim. Or you could walk through Olduvai Gorge. This culturally-significant site holds the earliest evidence of human existence, with fossilised bones and tools dating back millions of years.

Alternatively, spend a day at Lake Ndutu. This shallow lake is a popular drinking spot for an array of animals – including giraffes, which can’t be found inside the Ngorongoro Crater. And, in January and February, you’ll be able to see dozens of baby gazelle, wildebeest and zebra.

There are some truly spectacular places to stay in the Ngorongoro Crater. Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a great choice for foodies. This lovely lodge offers a range of unique dining experiences. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast during your game drive, and tuck into a cooked lunch in one of the crater’s acacia groves. And don’t forget the evening sundowners and snacks, served right on the edge of the crater.

Set amidst an ancient acacia forest Lemala Ngorogoro Tented Camp is perfectly located for easy access to the Ngorogoro Crater. Being only 15 minutes from the crater floor guests have premium access, usually over an hour ahead of other guests arriving through the gate allowing for private game viewing experiences. 

June to September is the most popular time for Ngorongoro Crater holidays, as it’s the dry season. Daytime temperatures tend to hover around 20°C – and this dry, sunny weather means the greenery is thinner, making the animals easier to spot. They often congregate around water holes, too, so you’ll easily be able to observe antelopes, elephants and zebra having a much-needed drink. June to September is also a fantastic time to visit other parts of Tanzania, such as the Serengeti and Zanzibar.

November is incredibly wet – but, just afterwards, calving season occurs between December and February. Naturally, this is the best time to see newborn animals, and the landscape will be lush and vibrant, thanks to the heavy November rains.

Prefer to explore without the crowds? April and May are still within rainy season – but the wildlife is abundant and the crater is wonderfully quiet. So, if you don’t mind packing a waterproof, this could be a great time for your trip.